Flint Business Posts ‘Justice For George Zimmerman’ Sign [PHOTO]

The George Zimmerman trial has sparked a heated debate across the nation. One Flint business owner has even decided to broadcast his opinion on the case, regardless of how it affects business. Find out which business and why they say they are doing it here.

Florida resident George Zimmerman is currently on trial for second degree murder over the circumstances which led to the death of 17-year old Trayvon Martin last year. There is quite a debate — which, sadly, is largely divided by political party lines — as to whether Zimmerman was defending his life or if he was simply an overzealous tough guy playing policeman.

The circumstances surrounding that fatal encounter on February 26, 2012 are still unknown to everyone except Martin and Zimmerman, but that hasn’t stopped people from strongly stating their opinion. The owner of Ace Auto Salvage on Center Rd. in Flint believes so strongly that Zimmerman is innocent, that he had a sign saying as much professionally made and placed it over the front of the road sign for his business (all other business signs in the picture above have been blurred, as they are in no way affiliated with this sign or this story).

We were a bit baffled by this, because it has nothing to do with his business and has the potential to turn off a large number of customers. So, we decided to give him a call and ask them why he would risk the livelihood of his business for a stranger who stands trial for murdering a teenager (whether it is found to have been a legitimate act of self defense or not).

When speaking to Don Sampson — owner of Junk Iron & Metal, which shares a sign and a lot with Ace Auto Salvage — he said it was not his sign, but he supports the statement it makes “100 percent.” He also stated that he isn’t concerned with losing business over his opinion and that people should not be afraid to speak up for what they believe in. Sampson further said that he believed Zimmerman acted in self defense and, if placed in Zimmerman’s shoes on that night, he would’ve done the same thing.

We then made contact with the owner of Ace Auto Salvage, Darwin Groves, who did have the sign made. “I think right is right and wrong is wrong,” said Groves. “[Trayvon Martin] had a hold of that fella and was beating his head into the concrete and [was] doing a number of things that would cause [Zimmerman] to fear for his life. I think he had the right to do whatever he had to do what he had to do to protect himself.”

Tree Riddle, Banana 101.5

The Zimmerman sign was not the first eye-grabbing statement we’ve seen the business make, as there has been a large semi truck trailer in the lot that reads “No Gays Running the Boy Scouts” for quite some time (see slightly obscured picture of said trailer above). This particular statement was Sampson’s, which he immediately took credit for and is proud of. He further stated that he is a large supporter and financial contributor to the Boy Scouts of America, but does not believe that homosexuals should be shaping the minds of our male scouts.

This statement was another that was backed by both business owners on the lot. “You’re molding young men,” started Groves, “and if I thought [my children] were being directed by people with that mentality, if that’s what you want to call it, I wouldn’t want them there.”

Groves said that members of the Boy Scouts have contacted them in regards to removing the sign, which they didn’t do but instead donated money to one of the representatives that came out to visit them over the ordeal. He also stated that his objection to the issue was mostly related to influencing the youth at an impressionable age, and while molestation is a part of his concern, it wasn’t the main focus of his objection.

“Birds of a feather flock together,” said Groves. “If [gays] get into the Boy Scouts and they got a friend there and a position [opens up] they’ll probably want to bring one of their friends in there… and, again, I don’t think they should be directing young minds.”

Whether or not you agree with their opinions, they do, as American citizens, have a right to express their opinions. In fact, that is one of the things that makes this country great. What do you think? Would you use your business as a platform to broadcast your beliefs, regardless of their popularity, to the public? Let us know in the comment section below.

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